Once I was a clever boy learning the arts of Oxford... is a quotation from the verses written by Bishop Richard Fleming (c.1385-1431) for his tomb in Lincoln Cathedral. Fleming, the founder of Lincoln College in Oxford, is the subject of my research for a D. Phil., and, like me, a son of the West Riding.

I have remarked in the past that I have a deeply meaningful on-going relationship with a dead fifteenth century bishop... It was Fleming who, in effect, enabled me to come to Oxford and to learn its arts, and for that I am immensely grateful.

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I offer a wide range of guided walks around the city and university. These can be a general introduction to the history and architecture or looking at specific themes and subjects.

About Me

I am a Catholic and a historian based in Oxford, where I am a member of Oriel College. My research, for a long delayed D.Phil., is a study of Richard Fleming, Bishop of Lincoln in the second decade of the fifteenth century. I also work as a freelance tutor in History and as an independent tour guide.
I was received into the Church in 2005 and am a Brother of the External Oratory of St Philip Neri at the Oxford Oratory.

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Thursday, 10 November 2011

St Dominic and St Philip

Amongst the books I am currently reading is Augusta Theodosia Drane's The Life of Saint Dominic. This was originally published inLondon in 1857, and, having stood the test of time, was reprinted by TAN in 1988. It appears, particularly given its date and that it was written by a religious, a balanced and fair account, and drawing together what is known of the life of St Dominic (1170-1221).

St DominicFrom The Perugia altarpiece of 1437 by Fra Angelico

Image: Wikipedia

One thing which particularly struck me was the similarity in the accounts of miracles attributed to St Dominic, especially those performed in Rome, to the accounts in Antonio Gallonio's Life of St Philip Neri.

In one way one should not be surprised that two saints should act in a similar way, and the Dominicans were a not inconsiderable influence on St Philip - not least the memory of Savanarola. The concept of an Oratory with preaching and penance at the heart of its ministry is very similar to the model proposed by St Dominic for his community.

Some of the incidents recorded are very similar - both are believed to have raised men from the dead at their intercession, and both are recorded as being seen to leviate whilst celebrating Mass. Like St Philip St Dominic appears to have had a rather matter of fact, almost disengaged, approach when dealing with situations that resulted in either a miracle or spiritual enlightenment and the bestowal of grace.

The historian in me wondered if Gallonio conciously modelled his hagiography of St Philip upon that which would have been available of the thirteenth century founder of the Dominicans, or if there is just a genuine coincidence between their two not dissimilar lives.